2009 Free Agency: Blue Jackets Round-up

by Andy Newman on Jun 29, 2009 6:54 PM EDT

Here at The Cannon we've already done a Free Agency Preview, we've looked at the Blue Jackets unrestricted free agents and restricted free agents, and earlier today we looked at some names the Blue Jackets could target at the beginning of free agency.

This post will serve as a quick round-up or cheat sheet for all the information. A guide to quickly reference for all your Blue Jackets free agency needs starting this Wednesday, July 1st.

Pending Unrestricted Free Agents: Manny Malhotra, Jason Williams, Michael Peca, Chris Gratton, Craig MacDonald, Mike York, Christian Backman, Aaron Rome, Wade Dubielewicz.

Pending Restricted Free Agents: Alexandre Picard, Jiri Novotny, Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, Marc Methot, Dan LaCosta.

Salary cap space: $17 million (Salary cap: $56.8 million)

Projected budget: $50 million (Current salary spent: $40 million)

Key Needs: The Blue Jackets desperately need more skill on the blueline to help the power play. They'll be looking for an offensive defenseman, a back-up goaltender to play behind Steve Mason, and a checking-line center or two. With an overabundance of wingers, if they make a trade involving a 2-for-1 or 3-for-1 swap of forwards for a defenseman, the Blue Jackets may also be in the market for a bottom six winger.

Potential Targets: Johnny Oduya, Dennis Seidenberg, Francois Beauchemin, Ty Conklin, Scott Clemmensen, Craig Anderson, Antero Niittymaki, Samuel Pahlsson, Manny Malhotra, Vernon Fiddler, Jiri Hudler, Chad LaRose.

What our Central Division rivals are thinking: Detroit Red Wings at Winging It In Motown, Chicago Blackhawks at Second City Hockey, Nashville Predators at On The Forecheck, and St. Louis Blues at St. Louis Game Time.

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Comments

While we spent 50 million last year. I don’t expect to see us come close to that number this year. I think you’ll see us around 45 million. With the amount of losses it makes sense to come down a little lower. It will also stop us overpaying for players.

The Cannon -- A Columbus Blue Jackets Blog

by Clint Clark on Jun 29, 2009 10:05 PM EDT reply actions

I think it could be like last year. Start off a bit low, and take on salary as the season goes on.

At least publicly, the team has stated the arena issues will not affect player payroll. As always, if a move makes good hockey sense, I see Howson having the greenlight to go for it.

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by Andy Newman on Jun 29, 2009 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions

i agree

howson has been nothing but great as far as a GM for this team. far and away better than any other regime we’ve had in columbus.

"be where you are when you're there"

by BLAZER_FAN_199 on Jun 30, 2009 9:07 AM EDT up reply actions

Jason Williams

Big mistake if we lose this guy. Team guy with plenty of production.

by Tommy like Wingy on Jul 27, 2009 9:33 PM EDT reply actions

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Central Standings

	GP	W	L	OTL	PT
Detroit Winging It In Motown	52	35	16	1	71
St. Louis St. Louis Game Time	50	30	13	7	67
Nashville On the Forecheck	52	31	17	4	66
Chicago Second City Hockey	53	29	17	7	65
Columbus The Cannon	52	14	32	6	34

(updated 2.4.2012 at 6:07 PM EST)

14 - 32 - 6

Streak: Won 1

Blue Jackets Schedule

Next 5 Games

Minnesota Hockey Wilderness	Tue 02/07	7:00 PM EST
Dallas Defending Big D	Thu 02/09	7:00 PM EST
@ Minnesota Hockey Wilderness	Sat 02/11	8:00 PM EST
Anaheim Anaheim Calling	Sun 02/12	6:00 PM EST
St. Louis St. Louis Game Time	Tue 02/14	7:00 PM EST

Last 5 Games

@ Anaheim Anaheim Calling	Fri 02/03	OT - W 3 - 2
@ Los Angeles Jewels From The Crown	Wed 02/01	L 2 - 3
@ San Jose Fear The Fin	Tue 01/31	L 0 - 6
@ Tampa Bay Raw Charge	Tue 01/24	L 2 - 4
@ Nashville On the Forecheck	Mon 01/23	L 1 - 4

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